Lesom Weine Funky Monkey Riesling 2021

Lesom Weine represents a new generation of natural winemaking in Germany's prestigious Mosel region. Founded by the dynamic duo Jessika Reis and Philipp Musevi, this boutique winery has quickly gained recognition for producing authentic, unfiltered Riesling wines that capture the essence of the Mosel's legendary terroir.

Operating from Traben-Trarbach, Lesom Weine manages 1.3 hectares of vineyards spread across 20 kilometers along the Mosel River. Their holdings include historic plots in Briedel that Jessika inherited from her grandparents, alongside sites in Burg, Pünderich, and Zell. This diverse portfolio allows them to showcase different expressions of Mosel Riesling, from various slate soils and steep slope exposures.

The philosophy at Lesom Weine centers on minimal intervention winemaking. Reis and Musevi trust in natural processes, working entirely by hand due to the extreme slopes that characterize Mosel viticulture. Their wines undergo spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, without temperature control, filtration, or additives. This approach produces wines that are vibrant, expressive, and true to their terroir.

Lesom Weine specializes in revitalizing abandoned vineyard sites, addressing the succession crisis facing many Mosel winegrowers. Their goal extends beyond winemaking to preserving the region's viticultural heritage while demonstrating the diverse potential of Riesling across different vineyard locations.

Popular cuvées include the "Funky Monkey" Riesling and "Niveau," wines that exemplify their fresh, zippy style with supernatural acidity. These natural wines appeal to both traditional German wine lovers and the growing international natural wine movement, establishing Lesom Weine as an exciting force in contemporary Mosel winemaking.

The Mosel wine region stands as Germany's most celebrated viticultural area, renowned worldwide for producing exceptional Riesling wines with unmatched elegance and complexity. Stretching along the winding Mosel River through the states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, this historic wine region encompasses approximately 8,800 hectares of vineyards carved into impossibly steep riverbank slopes.

The Mosel's unique terroir defines its character. Ancient slate soils, formed over millions of years, provide excellent drainage while retaining heat to ripen grapes in this cool climate. The river's serpentine path creates numerous south-facing slopes that maximize sun exposure, while the water moderates temperatures and reflects light back to the vines. These dramatic vineyard sites, some with gradients exceeding 60 degrees, require all vineyard work to be done by hand.

Riesling dominates Mosel viticulture, comprising over 60% of plantings. The variety thrives here, producing wines with characteristic crisp acidity, mineral complexity, and remarkable aging potential. Mosel Rieslings range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, with the region's Prädikatswein dessert wines ranking among the world's finest.

The region divides into three districts: Obermosel, Mittelmosel, and Untermosel. The Middle Mosel, featuring prestigious villages like Bernkastel-Kues, Piesport, and Wehlen, produces the most acclaimed wines. Famous vineyard sites include Bernkasteler Doctor, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, and Ürziger Würzgarten.

Modern Mosel winemaking balances tradition with innovation. While historic estates like Dr. Loosen and Egon Müller maintain classical styles, emerging natural wine producers are exploring new expressions of this ancient terroir, ensuring the Mosel's continued relevance in contemporary wine culture.